From Demolition to Innovation: UCR Breaks Ground on SoCal OASIS™ Park, a Hub for Clean Tech Innovation and Sustainability
Riverside, CA – [December 20, 2024] – The University of California, Riverside (UCR) Research and Economic Development, in collaboration with its Office of Technology Partnerships, is thrilled to announce the commencement of construction on the SoCal OASIS™ Park (“Park”), a state-of-the-art center dedicated to research in climate change, air quality, and mobility. As demolition begins on the existing UCR Extension Center Building to make way for this innovative facility, the Park is set to become a gateway to the UCR campus. The Park aims to prepare the next generation of the cleantech workforce for Riverside and Inland Southern California.
Located along University Avenue between downtown Riverside and the UCR campus, the Park will be a catalyst for progress within Riverside’s "Innovation Corridor." This collaborative effort involves UCR's Bourns College of Engineering Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT), the Office of Technology Partnerships, and UCR Extension. The facility is designed to be a hub where university research intersects with local entrepreneurs and the community, providing education in sustainability and training opportunities for future cleantech careers.
For more details on the demolition of UCR's old Extension building and its historical background, click here.
Project Scope and Features
The SoCal OASIS™ Park, spanning approximately 4 acres with 50,000 gross square feet of research and office space, is set to become a transformative hub for research, technology, and community collaboration. Designed to serve as both an innovation platform and a community-oriented space, the Park will feature:
- Cleantech laboratories for cutting-edge research and development
- A maker space for prototyping new technologies
- Incubator facilities to support emerging startups and entrepreneurs
- Office spaces for local entrepreneurs to grow and collaborate
- A large active-hybrid meeting and learning space for flexible use
- Display areas to showcase ongoing research and technological advancements
- Outdoor covered seating and ample outdoor areas for community use and interaction
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the Park will include lighted walking paths, safe biking routes, and free parking with EV charging stations, making it an inviting and sustainable destination for everyone.
The vision for the Park extends far beyond its physical infrastructure. Success will be measured by the quality and number of tested prototypes, new inventions, and the opportunities it creates for young innovators on campus and throughout the surrounding community. Over the next decade, the Park is expected to host a diverse ecosystem of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators, thriving in a flexible and supportive environment.
By blending research, innovation, and community engagement, the Park aims to drive creative breakthroughs and sustainable development, shaping a brighter future for Inland Southern California and beyond.
"The Park is envisioned as a welcoming gateway to the UCR campus," said Rodolfo Torres, Vice Chancellor Research and Economic Development. "By fostering collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and students, we aim to drive innovation in climate change, air quality, and mobility, and promote social inclusion in the region."
Further information about the SoCal OASIS™ activities can be found here.
Construction Timeline and Details
Construction is now beginning on this new facility, which occupies the former site of the UCR Extension Center. The project has a three-year timeline, with completion expected in 2026. As construction begins, we urge everyone to exercise caution around the site. Please be aware of changes to parking and pedestrian pathways, and follow all posted signs and directions.
For more information on the SoCal OASIS™ project and to view live footage of the construction site, visit UCR’s Planning, Design & Construction page. Live cameras at the site can also be accessed here.
About UC Riverside’s Office of Technology Partnerships
The Office of Technology Partnerships catalyzes the translation of UCR’s world-class research into products and services that benefit society. UCR EPIC SBDC's mentors provide commercialization assistance to startups and emerging businesses, supporting their growth and development. By collaborating with the private sector, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, and fostering innovation across the campus, the Office is committed to creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, and the community. To learn more about The Office of Tech Partnerships and the EPIC SBDC program, please visit here.
Contact Information
Aileen Luib
Assistant Director of Special Programs and Outreach
Office of Technology Partnerships, University of California, Riverside
Phone: 951-827-8516
Email: aileenl@ucr.edu